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This coming June is an important one in Europe as it will mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in the Second World War.

Though seven decades have past, the invasion that was widely regarded as the turning point in the war has still left its mark on the beautiful coastline of Normandy.

This year, popular river cruise line Ama-Waterways (amawaterways.com) is deploying its beautiful, 148-guest AmaLegro on an 11-night journey through the heart of France that commemorates this important occasion.

Sailing round-trip from Paris, this voyage down the Seine calls on Vernon, where guests can visit nearby Giverny and see Claude Monet's home and gardens that inspired many of his works.

A call on Caudebec-en-Caux provides opportunities to travel to Honfleur or two of Normandy's most famous abbeys, Jumieges and St. Wandrille.

But the real draw of the itinerary this year is the line's full-day D-Day Remembered excursion to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy while the ship is docked in Rouen, France. While AmaWaterways is an American company, Canadian and British guests aren't left out: Guests can choose to either visit the Canadian cemetery at Benysur-Mer and Canada's own Second World War museum at the Juno Beach Center, or opt to tour sites relevant to the American sector, including a visit to Omaha and Utah beaches.

There's also the opportunity to explore the medieval history of France with a visit to the ruins of Chateau Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, and Chateau Malmaison, the former home of another fun-loving gentleman named Napoleon Bonaparte, who inhabited the house with his wife Josephine.

Having enjoyed several trips with AmaWaterways through Europe and Asia, their river cruises are tough to beat. The line takes great pride in its on-board cuisine quality, with unlimited French red and white wines offered during lunch and dinner.

Nearly all staterooms aboard the AmaLegro feature floor-to-ceiling French balconies, and all include luxe touches such as terry cloth bathrobes and some of the softest beds on the waterways of Europe. AmaWaterways' Paris and Normandy itinerary can also be booked as an eightday, cruise-only itinerary.

Right now, guests can save up to $1,500 per stateroom or - if you're travelling solo - AmaWaterways will waive the single supplement fare that's normally added.

If you've never been to France before, this is probably the best year to test out a river cruise along the Seine.

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